As Spring and the promise of warm weather slowly approaches, we humans aren’t the only ones itching to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.
Our furry, four-legged friends are also waiting patiently for the chance to visit one special place: the dog park.
Luckily for Tennessee residents, the 2021 application window is now open for the Boyd Foundation’s Tennessee Dog Park Dash.
Established in 2018 and funded by the Boyd Foundation, the Tennessee Dog Park Dash is a program dedicated to building or enhancing dog parks across the state in an effort to make Tennessee the most pet-friendly state in America.
Through this program, more than one hundred communities across Tennessee will get to experience the benefits of having both a dog park and a place where community members can come together.
The Boyd Foundation will be rewarding 16 communities across the state with $25,000 grants to build new dog parks or enhance existing dog parks.
In addition, one lucky community will win a grand prize of a $100,000 grant.
These grants will be used to create a safe space where animals can play and people can grow their relationships with others in their community.
In return, these communities will be left with not just a dog park, but an establishment that allows for happier pets, healthier humans and closer communities.
“Modeled after a very successful program that’s pioneered by our company, PetSafe, the Tennessee Dog Park Dash will provide funds for communities to create their own dog parks across our state. Dog parks are places where people and their pets can come together to share their love for the furry friends.”
– Randy Boyd
How To Apply
Applications will be accepted beginning March 1 to April 15 and communities of all sizes are encouraged to apply at the Dog Park Dash website.
Approved applicants will be notified and encouraged to gather community support during a social media engagement phase which will run from May 1 to May 31.
The winners will be announced by June 15 and Tennessee will be one step closer to becoming the most pet friendly state in America.
Now that’s a statement that is sure to get some tails wagging.
Carlyn Anderson 
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